Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada:

• New documentary will look at state of Canadian journalism industry [J-Source]
• Stories North course brings journalism students to Yukon [J-Source]
• Great Canadian Longform is curating the best of Canadian non-fiction writing [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• Who suffers when local news disappears [CJR]
• How to create an online portfolio that grabs clients' attention [Freelancers Union]
• We asked, you delivered: Your writing tips — and one reporting tip [Poynter]
• Late payments shouldn't be part of the territory for freelancers [Freelancers Union]
• Ask TON: Who should trim long drafts? [Open Notebook]
• How to prepare to be a freelancer [Family Circle]
• Tip: How to get your freelance career off to the best start [Journalism.co.uk]

Recently on Story Board:

• Travel writing tips from writer and editor Jennifer Bain: Jennifer Bain was a travel editor at The Toronto Star before she took a buyout in April. She is currently freelancing as a travel writer and completing a master of fine arts degree in creative non-fiction...
• Freelancers: “Level up” at the PWAC & CMG Freelance conference in Toronto September 20-23: For the first time, PWAC’s annual conference is being co-presented by CMG Freelance. The schedule of events is packed full of useful professional development and networking opportunities...

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.